For immediate release
April 20, 2017- Peace River School Division (PRSD) is pleased to announce that Taryn Banach, Worsley Central School (WCS) educator has been selected as PRSD’s 2017 Edwin Parr Teacher Award Nominee. The Edwin Parr Teacher Award recognizes first year teachers that demonstrate exemplary dedication and commitment in the field of Education.

“I am so honoured to be chosen to represent our division as a first year teacher” says Banach. “I share this award with the students and staff as they have supported me so much in my first year. I strive to be the best educator I can be and it is humbling to be recognized in this way.”

Taryn’s teaching assignments include grades 7, 8 and 9 Social Studies and Language Arts and junior high Health. Taryn also serves as the school’s I-Coach and in this role, Taryn researches various supports and resources for students with diverse learning needs and works with students, teachers and parents to arrange programming and ensure the learning needs of students are met. Taryn also serves as a teacher facilitator on the WCS Student Leadership Team who organizes school and community events that promote a positive atmosphere.

“Ms. Banach is always looking for a variety of ways to engage her students” says WCS Principal Mindy Rowe. “She truly understands each student’s strengths, weaknesses, learning styles and embraces this knowledge to develop a classroom that focuses on the student first. Her classroom is a very positive, warm and welcoming space for students to grow and learn. She is open, caring and a dedicated professional, well respected in the school community and puts forth extra effort to support her students inside and outside the classroom. Her skill surpasses what you would expect from a first year teacher and I recognized early on how lucky our school was to have her as part of our staff and community, and she is very deserving of this award and recognition.”

Comments from students at WCS echo Principal Rowe’s comments.

“She makes our work fun” says Braxton Rowe, grade 7 WCS student. “She uses games and different ways to help us learn, we don’t just sit at our desk doing paper work. Bailee Richardson, grade 8 student says “She cares about all of us. She’s really kind and supportive and makes sure everyone has equal opportunities in the classroom. Trayc Bean, grade nine student noted her excellent organization and ability to engage all students. “She teaches very clearly, with clear deadlines and engages all students.” Students also mentioned that she attends their sporting events, cheering them on while wearing her Worsley Central School gear.

Taryn is no stranger to PRSD having graduated from Fairview High School in 2011. Taryn went on to post-secondary studies at the University of Alberta and completed her Bachelor of Education with a major in Social Studies and a minor in Biological Sciences. Following university studies, Taryn spent six months working as a substitute teacher in PRSD schools.

“Before I started my first year at Worsley, I spent six months subbing at schools around the division” says Banach. “I love working for PRSD because of their focus on collaboration and "success for all" students. This is evident in their importance placed on Response to Intervention and making sure that we are helping all kids to learn and succeed no matter their ability. Our teachers, support staff, learning coaches, inclusive education coaches, tech coaches, central office staff - everyone is just great. “

Each year, the Alberta School Board Association (ASBA) honours outstanding first-year teachers representing six zones throughout the province. Taryn will be recognized at the PRSD Staff Awards Gala on May 5, 2017 and at the ASBA Zone One Awards Luncheon in the fall.

“On behalf of Peace River School Division, we congratulate Taryn as the 2017 Edwin Parr Teacher Award nominee for the division” says PRSD Board Chair Darren Kuester. “We are very proud of the hard work, passion and dedication that Taryn has put forth in her first year of teaching. We are grateful for her service to students and for choosing to be a member of the Peace River School Division family.”